The Brooklyn Nets’ 2024 media day set a competitive tone, with several veteran players expressing a desire to win games. However, this stands in stark contrast to the Nets’ actual agenda, which is focused on rebuilding. As the franchise pivots toward a youth movement and a strategy aimed at the 2025 NBA Draft, these competing interests suggest the team will soon need to trade its veterans, despite their insistence on playing to win.
NBA Business: Brooklyn Nets’ Media Day Comments Prove They Will Be Sellers
Veteran Comments Signal Competitive Mindset
At the Brooklyn Nets’ media day, players like Dennis Schröder, Dorian Finney-Smith, Cameron Johnson, and Ben Simmons were vocal about their commitment to giving their best for the team. Schröder emphasized his desire to contribute on both ends of the floor, while Simmons mentioned his focus on returning to form after injury, aiming to prove he can still impact games. Finney-Smith, known for his defensive prowess, also echoed this sentiment, pointing to his role as a stabilizing force on the roster. These comments reflect a competitive mindset that is geared toward winning, which is at odds with the Nets’ longer-term rebuilding plans.
Mikal Bridges Trade Signaled Rebuild
The clearest indication of the Nets’ rebuilding direction was the decision to trade Mikal Bridges to their crosstown rivals, the New York Knicks, during the offseason. This move, which shocked many fans, underscored the organization’s commitment to acquiring assets and building for the future. With the 2025 draft looming, featuring franchise-altering talents like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper, the Nets are fully aware that their best chance of future success lies in positioning themselves for the lottery, not chasing wins in the current season.
The Nets have four first-round picks in 2025, which further signals that their focus is on stockpiling assets rather than competing with a veteran-heavy roster. With such a clear emphasis on rebuilding, the veterans’ desire to compete is likely a temporary luxury. If the team begins winning more games than expected, the front office will have to act quickly to trade players who are boosting the Nets’ competitiveness at the expense of lottery odds.
Expiring Contracts Could Force Trades
Among the players who could be on the trade block are those with expiring contracts, a common target for teams looking to acquire veterans for playoff pushes. Schröder is on a $13 million expiring deal, while Ben Simmons’ $40.3 million expiring contract, though large, could still hold value for teams seeking salary relief. Bojan Bogdanovic and Ziaire Williams also have expiring contracts, with $19 million and $6 million left on their respective deals. Finney-Smith, while not on an expiring deal, has two years remaining at $14.9 million per year, making him a valuable piece for contending teams needing defensive reinforcements.
With these veterans on the roster, the Nets could potentially win more games than desired for a rebuilding team. That’s why they’ll likely have to trade some or all of these players to ensure they stay aligned with their goal of securing a top pick. The 2025 draft offers too much upside for the Nets to risk winning too many games, and moving on from veterans is the logical step.
Nets’ Rebuild Path Requires Bold Moves
While the comments from players at media day highlight their individual and collective commitment to winning, the Nets’ front office will need to make some difficult decisions to stick with the long-term plan. Veterans like Schröder and Finney-Smith may want to lead this team to wins, but the reality is that the Nets are focused on rebuilding, and the most logical path is to move these players before the trade deadline.
Ultimately, the Brooklyn Nets’ media day comments point to a team with competing interests. The veterans want to win games now, while the front office has set its sights on the future. Trading these veterans will be essential to ensuring the team stays focused on its primary goal: securing top-tier draft picks and building a sustainable contender for years to come.
